Sometimes things start to come together in a most curious fashion–like this for instance. Remember convicted pimp Ocean Fleming, who was sentenced to life. Well, he may get released soon after a renegotiation of his charges in light of allegations that surfaced about the LVMPD pimp enforcement team being corrupt (a detective was having a relationship with the lead prosecutor Elizabeth Mercer. You’ll have to read the article to get all the details, but it ties in an unsolved double murder, a special prosecutor, and even the recent news about Judge Melanie Andress-Tobiasson. Moreover, it reveals that after her story made headlines, DA Steve Wolfson and others had a meeting with Chief Judge of the Las Vegas Justice Court Joe Bonaventura about having Judge Andress-Tobiasson reassigned from criminal matters to strictly civil matters. It also reveals that former judge Janiece Marshall, representing Fleming, has added Andress-Tobiasson to a witness list and wants to question the current judge (who is married to a retired LVMPD officer) in court about what she knows about LVMPD corruption. And most curious of all? All these revelations are from an article in the Baltimore Post-Examiner. Stay tuned?
Attorneys at Perkins Coie, a firm with no office in Nevada, are getting involved in the gubernatorial ad campaign on behalf of candidate Steve Sisolak. [RJ]
Nevada could be on the hook for $60 million in unpaid prison guard time. [Las Vegas Sun]
The AG’s office is getting involved in the DUI prosecution of John Duffy, a local attorney who defends DUIs. [RJ]
SCOTUS has struck down a federal ban on sports betting in all states except Nevada (and some narrow exceptions for a few others). Thoughts? Does this harm Vegas at all? How do the 4 major sports leagues react? The NCAA?
I don't think it's good for Vegas when your sports gaming monopoly is no longer a monopoly. Now, everybody can bet sports down the road from their house. I think it will kill the offshore books too.
As a practical matter, you have always been able to place sports bets down the street from your house. The states can just regulate it now and take a cut without federal government interference.
Guest
Anonymous
May 14, 2018 4:36 pm
PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE IN THE BOG ELECTIONS! MORE IMPORTANTLY, PLEASE ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO VOTE! THIS ELECTION WILL BE DETERMINED BY TURNOUT!
CHALLENGERS:
Andrew Craner
Jessica Goodey
Terry Coffing
Casey Quinn
Cory Santos, Sr.
Jay Shafer
INCUMBENTS:
Paola Armeni
John "Jack" Howard, Jr.
Kari Stephens
Ryan Works
"Dear Colleagues,
Have you had a chance to review “Clients and Adversaries” (see Amazon preview) ?
Alan Dershowitz said: “Riveting legal stories”.
I hope you agree.
Noel Gage"
Kari Stephens blasted an email addressed to lots of people without using BCC about the BOG election. Someone wrote back asking her, "How do you feel about the Bar spending money on auditing IOLTA accounts?"
And if you need anymore incentive to drain the "wall of fame" swamp, don't forget this, https://bit.ly/2rHxSX7
and how about this? In April the SBN sent representatives, including Gene Leverty, undoubtedly on our mandatory monies dime to D.C. to hobnob with and lobby lawmakers on behalf of the ABA's "priorities." See https://bit.ly/2rHssvk
and see these photos of them 'in action.' https://bit.ly/2jXcAk4
These folks just love spending our money, especially when there's no transparency and accountability. Let's throw every incumbent rascal out!
I didn't get the email, which means I must not be one of the "elite". This just shows everything wrong with the system. Lets drag it out into the day light.
The State Bar former Presidents Event–airfare, hotel, dinner, and drinks. Oh c'mon. I am so angry. There needs to be an audit of the State Bar operations. This is totally ridiculous. How much of the mandatory dues did they waste? We don't need a mandatory unified bar. Let them pay for that stuff on their own dime and the members pay for their licensing. Despicable and disgusting.
Good bye, Paola. You and Ross Miller are a good pair. You are okay with fraud. Ross endorses Wolfson with 42k in campaign funds that went missing and never was reported. Where did all the bar dues go?
Honestly good for Shafer for coming on here and standing up and making himself available. We talk about availability of the Governors. This guy made himself available.
Let me add one thing to 2:46. Kari Stephens put out a promo. She claims to "have worked to enhance the value of bar membership and integrate the legal community…. I am seeking re-election to a third term to maintain high standards in the practice of law in Nevada."
No offense Kari, what the Hell are you talking about? What value has been enhanced? The State Bar is doing less with more money for ordinary members than ever. Yes, you conduct your meetings in nicer offices and are holding the State Bar convention greater distances from Nevada than ever. Where is this enhanced value? Hertz discounts? You want to "maintain high standards." What does that mean? I honestly have no idea what you are talking about.
Kari–as you know Jason Stoffel endorsed you because "She is well respected by her peers, she has been active on many committees and was the president of the Clark County Bar Association a few years ago." Not a single thing in there tells me anything that you did for the State Bar that made me as a practitioner feel better about the State Bar. In the comments, people asked you to address the mandatory audits. Your response? "Thank you Jason! I appreciate your support."
In response to 1:26 saying we don't need a mandatory unified board–I agree, but it is unlikely to happen. The SCR creates the Nevada bar which governs the profession subject to approval of the Supreme Court. https://www.leg.state.nv.us/CourtRules/SCR.html Rule 76. Not going anywhere anytime soon. So, we have to learn to live with it or shape in a way that is tolerable.
The legislature could intervene and change that. In fact, a legislative act would almost certainly be required if the Supreme Court did not act. The only reason the Supreme Court has authority to regulate the Bar in the frst place is because it was granted to them. NRS 7.275.
The timing for lawyer emancipation couldn't be better. The California Legislature just bifurcated its bar last October separating the dysfunctional bar into a purely regulatory agency and a voluntary lawyer trade association. See http://www.metnews.com/articles/2017/sb63100317.htm
I agree with 3:28 pm. The legislature needs to intervene, especially without any bar reformers on the BOG. You know the bar fat cats and toadies will resist any change.
3:49 pm, give me a break! You're playing right into the hands of the legal elites. And besides, like so-called 'self regulation' is such a wonderful thing right now. Having the legislature intervene doesn't mean giving regulatory authority to politicians. Pass legislation modeled on California or what Arizona has been trying to do that keeps lawyer regulation with the state supreme court — but starves the SBN beast by taking away all our mandatory monies the bar gets to spend without telling us how they spend it or being held accountable for their waste. I am talking about SBN expenditures that have nothing to do with what "Keller v. State Bar of California," 496 U.S. 1 (1990), called for, which was allowing mandatory bars the constitutional use of mandatory fees only to fund activities germane to the State’s interest in "regulating the legal profession and improving the quality of legal services." Our dues weren't meant to pay for trade association programs, services and activities, out-of-state junkets, and other bar bullshit having nothing to do with "regulating the profession and improving the quality of legal services."
I certainly appreciate much of the feelings expressed here about the BOG elections. I am against random audits, but it seems to be a non-issue at this point. Schafer put out an admirable list of goals, some of which make a lot of sense. But not all will save $$ and some will increase costs. Are you really going to sign on to live stream a BOG meeting? are you going to review an "audited" financial statement and (no offense) do you know what you are reading? Finally, this is a voluntary position, are you will to devote the time that you seem to demand from others? or are you just going to glom on to a issue and scream "throw the bums out" and forget about it until the next issue comes along that makes you mad…..? Talk is cheap, blogs are easy, the work needed is another issue.
3:49 PM here. As luck would have it, I am actually a legal elite myself. At least according to the upcoming June edition of Nevada Lawyer. Told my Mom about it yesterday over brunch. She was brimming with pride. "That's pretty good work, considering you're just a cisgender white male, son."
Iy's not the media that makes them look bad.. they are perfectly able to handle that job by themselves without any help.
Guest
Anonymous
May 14, 2018 4:52 pm
Wait, wait, wait. John blew into the Breathalyzer? (the article quotes the complaint, which says he had more than a .08 on his breath when he was pulled over). Man, he really must have been drunk to let that happen.
SCOTUS has struck down a federal ban on sports betting in all states except Nevada (and some narrow exceptions for a few others). Thoughts? Does this harm Vegas at all? How do the 4 major sports leagues react? The NCAA?
I don't think it's good for Vegas when your sports gaming monopoly is no longer a monopoly. Now, everybody can bet sports down the road from their house. I think it will kill the offshore books too.
As a practical matter, you have always been able to place sports bets down the street from your house. The states can just regulate it now and take a cut without federal government interference.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE IN THE BOG ELECTIONS! MORE IMPORTANTLY, PLEASE ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO VOTE! THIS ELECTION WILL BE DETERMINED BY TURNOUT!
CHALLENGERS:
Andrew Craner
Jessica Goodey
Terry Coffing
Casey Quinn
Cory Santos, Sr.
Jay Shafer
INCUMBENTS:
Paola Armeni
John "Jack" Howard, Jr.
Kari Stephens
Ryan Works
Statement by challenger Jay Shafer here: https://lasvegaslawblog.blogspot.com/2018/05/procedurally-improper.html?showComment=1526081354206#c6929486821478588602
Bios here: https://www.nvbar.org/about-us/board-of-governors/board-governors-elections/2018-board-governors-candidates/
What was the Noel Gage email blast this morning?
"Dear Colleagues,
Have you had a chance to review “Clients and Adversaries” (see Amazon preview) ?
Alan Dershowitz said: “Riveting legal stories”.
I hope you agree.
Noel Gage"
Kari Stephens blasted an email addressed to lots of people without using BCC about the BOG election. Someone wrote back asking her, "How do you feel about the Bar spending money on auditing IOLTA accounts?"
And if you need anymore incentive to drain the "wall of fame" swamp, don't forget this, https://bit.ly/2rHxSX7
and how about this? In April the SBN sent representatives, including Gene Leverty, undoubtedly on our mandatory monies dime to D.C. to hobnob with and lobby lawmakers on behalf of the ABA's "priorities." See https://bit.ly/2rHssvk
and see these photos of them 'in action.'
https://bit.ly/2jXcAk4
These folks just love spending our money, especially when there's no transparency and accountability. Let's throw every incumbent rascal out!
11:16
I didn't get the email, which means I must not be one of the "elite". This just shows everything wrong with the system. Lets drag it out into the day light.
11:16 AM,
Did Kari Stephens respond? If so, what did she say?
No response to the whole group from Kari, yet. Hopefully she will share her response with everyone or stop by here to discuss.
Kari isn't going to post here among the unwashed masses like Jay Shaffer did.
I received Gage e-mail as well. I don't get it. What is he talking about? Is it a private joke with Kari?
The State Bar former Presidents Event–airfare, hotel, dinner, and drinks. Oh c'mon. I am so angry. There needs to be an audit of the State Bar operations. This is totally ridiculous. How much of the mandatory dues did they waste? We don't need a mandatory unified bar. Let them pay for that stuff on their own dime and the members pay for their licensing. Despicable and disgusting.
Good bye, Paola. You and Ross Miller are a good pair. You are okay with fraud. Ross endorses Wolfson with 42k in campaign funds that went missing and never was reported. Where did all the bar dues go?
Noel Gage wrote the book
Honestly good for Shafer for coming on here and standing up and making himself available. We talk about availability of the Governors. This guy made himself available.
Please make your donation now to the Las Vegas Business Academy sweets and sips.
Event
Let me add one thing to 2:46. Kari Stephens put out a promo. She claims to "have worked to enhance the value of bar membership and integrate the legal community…. I am seeking re-election to a third term to maintain high standards in the practice of law in Nevada."
No offense Kari, what the Hell are you talking about? What value has been enhanced? The State Bar is doing less with more money for ordinary members than ever. Yes, you conduct your meetings in nicer offices and are holding the State Bar convention greater distances from Nevada than ever. Where is this enhanced value? Hertz discounts? You want to "maintain high standards." What does that mean? I honestly have no idea what you are talking about.
Kari–as you know Jason Stoffel endorsed you because "She is well respected by her peers, she has been active on many committees and was the president of the Clark County Bar Association a few years ago." Not a single thing in there tells me anything that you did for the State Bar that made me as a practitioner feel better about the State Bar. In the comments, people asked you to address the mandatory audits. Your response? "Thank you Jason! I appreciate your support."
This is why the incumbents need to go.
Is this DeVry? What is the LV Biz Academy?
You are such a dbag that Bogs are now getting endorsements? What?
These BOGS are so bad I would vote for Mare Chapman over them.
Maybe it's just me – but seems like way too many civilians posting off-topic and/or incoherent remarks here lately.
Um, no. Some of the comments are related. I am trying to figure out what sip and sweets are?
In response to 1:26 saying we don't need a mandatory unified board–I agree, but it is unlikely to happen. The SCR creates the Nevada bar which governs the profession subject to approval of the Supreme Court. https://www.leg.state.nv.us/CourtRules/SCR.html Rule 76. Not going anywhere anytime soon. So, we have to learn to live with it or shape in a way that is tolerable.
The legislature could intervene and change that. In fact, a legislative act would almost certainly be required if the Supreme Court did not act. The only reason the Supreme Court has authority to regulate the Bar in the frst place is because it was granted to them. NRS 7.275.
The Sip and sweets was a fundraiser that was put on by Las Vegas Business Academy. It is run by Paoula Armeni.
The last thing we want is for the legal profession to be overseen by politicians in the Legislature.
The timing for lawyer emancipation couldn't be better. The California Legislature just bifurcated its bar last October separating the dysfunctional bar into a purely regulatory agency and a voluntary lawyer trade association. See http://www.metnews.com/articles/2017/sb63100317.htm
The same thing needs to be done in Nevada. In addition, the US Supreme Court is about to knock a leg off the stool holding up the mandatory bar per this article, "How A Supreme Court Labor Case Could Reshape The Bar." It is worth reading. Free with registration at Law 360. https://www.law360.com/articles/1002554/how-a-supreme-court-labor-case-could-reshape-the-bar
I agree with 3:28 pm. The legislature needs to intervene, especially without any bar reformers on the BOG. You know the bar fat cats and toadies will resist any change.
3:49 pm, give me a break! You're playing right into the hands of the legal elites. And besides, like so-called 'self regulation' is such a wonderful thing right now. Having the legislature intervene doesn't mean giving regulatory authority to politicians. Pass legislation modeled on California or what Arizona has been trying to do that keeps lawyer regulation with the state supreme court — but starves the SBN beast by taking away all our mandatory monies the bar gets to spend without telling us how they spend it or being held accountable for their waste. I am talking about SBN expenditures that have nothing to do with what "Keller v. State Bar of California," 496 U.S. 1 (1990), called for, which was allowing mandatory bars the constitutional use of mandatory fees only to fund activities germane to the State’s interest in "regulating the legal profession and improving the quality of legal services." Our dues weren't meant to pay for trade association programs, services and activities, out-of-state junkets, and other bar bullshit having nothing to do with "regulating the profession and improving the quality of legal services."
Just voted for BOGs. All incumbents out.
I certainly appreciate much of the feelings expressed here about the BOG elections. I am against random audits, but it seems to be a non-issue at this point. Schafer put out an admirable list of goals, some of which make a lot of sense. But not all will save $$ and some will increase costs. Are you really going to sign on to live stream a BOG meeting? are you going to review an "audited" financial statement and (no offense) do you know what you are reading? Finally, this is a voluntary position, are you will to devote the time that you seem to demand from others? or are you just going to glom on to a issue and scream "throw the bums out" and forget about it until the next issue comes along that makes you mad…..? Talk is cheap, blogs are easy, the work needed is another issue.
4:05 PM,
3:49 PM here. As luck would have it, I am actually a legal elite myself. At least according to the upcoming June edition of Nevada Lawyer. Told my Mom about it yesterday over brunch. She was brimming with pride. "That's pretty good work, considering you're just a cisgender white male, son."
Thanks Mom.
Oops! I meant Nevada Business Magazine, not Nevada Lawyer.
Read the Post Examiner article. It is very interesting. It makes many public officials look bad.
And it makes at least one vice cop out to be an absolute playa'.
They are. The only part candidate I may vote for is Jackie Rosen. Screw Dina and Cortez Masto. You are out.
Party
How is any of this related to Titus or Cortez Masto, or the Democratic Party generally?
Plus Cortez Masto isn't even up for reelection yet, so she's not going anywhere. And neither is Dina Titus realistically.
Iy's not the media that makes them look bad.. they are perfectly able to handle that job by themselves without any help.
Wait, wait, wait. John blew into the Breathalyzer? (the article quotes the complaint, which says he had more than a .08 on his breath when he was pulled over). Man, he really must have been drunk to let that happen.
Oh, poor Duffalo
Or he doesn't want to lose his license for a year by making the police obtain a search warrant for his blood.
If it's your first DUI, then ya' blow.
If it's your second DUI, ya' never know.
Harry Reid had surgery for pancreatic. FUCK CANCER FOREVER. https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/former-sen-harry-reid-undergoes-surgery-for-pancreatic-cancer
Who cares?
Is this still going on, I feel like the results are past due.
https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/clark-county/clark-county-da-must-make-witness-payment-records-public/
That is a hell no vote for Cadish's buddy, Wolfson.